From Old Frenchbaron, Late Latinbarō, barōnem (not to be confused with classical bārō, bārōnem "simpleton"). Used in early Germanic law in the sense of homō, especially "man, servant, follower, warrior" (also as barus). It is presumably of Frankish origin, from a Germanic word meaning "servant; man, warrior", possibly cognate with Old English beorn, perhaps originally *barô ‎(“carrier”). A Celtic origin has also been suggested, due to the occurrence of a Latin barones meaning servos militum as early as the first century (Cornutus, On Persius' Fifth Satire). OED takes this hypothetical Celtic *bar- ‎(“hero”) to be a figment.

Such portentous appetites had Queequeg and Tashtego, that to fill out the vacancies made by the previous repast, often the pale Dough-Boy was fain to bring on a great baron of salt-junk, seemingly quarried out of the solid ox.

A person of great power in society, especially in business and politics.

A “robber baron” or “robber knight” is an historic term and title of disdain.

British journalists shun complete respectability, feeling a duty to be ready to savage the mighty, or rummage through their bins. Elsewhere in Europe, government contracts and subsidies ensure that press barons will only defy the mighty so far.